Has Uber Made a Dent in Drunk Driving Accidents?

Every day, millions of people around the globe summon a driver with Uber. The company claims that the number of drunk driving accidents has decreased because so many people choose the rideshare service. But is the claim true? Some researchers say yes, while others say more studies need to be done. Whatever the case, your chiropractor has a few tips to keep you and your passengers safe and offers personal injury treatment in Dallas if you are injured in an accident.

Uber Has Decreased the Number of Drunk Driving Accidents

According to an article published in The New York Times, “A recent independent study … found that in four boroughs of New York City, excluding Staten Island, there has been a 25 to 35 percent reduction in alcohol-related car accidents since Uber came to town in 2011, as compared to other places where the ride-hailing company doesn’t operate. That’s a significant reduction, amounting to about 40 fewer collisions per month in those boroughs.”

Uber Has Not Decreased the Number of Drunk Driving Accidents

But there are other studies that have drawn different conclusions. For example, the American Journal of Epidemiology published a report in 2016 that considered 100 densely populated counties and did not find a connection between Uber’s services and the number of vehicular deaths.

On an individual level, it does make sense that Uber and other ridesharing services would reduce the number of DUI crashes, especially between Christmas and New Year’s when these types of accidents increase. A word of caution, however: people who drive drunk are not known for making wise decisions. So to draw final conclusions from any study would at best be circumspect.

Preventing Drunk Driving Accidents

There are several steps you can take to avoid causing a drunk driving accident. Here are a few:

• Choose a designated driver. This person must abstain from all alcoholic beverages and have a valid driver’s license.
• If you’re alone and have had too much to drink, take a cab, Uber, Lyft or any other rideshare service.
• If you’re headed to a party and are planning to drink, make plans to spend the night with your host or book a hotel room nearby.
• Give your keys to a friend and tell him not to give them back if you get too drunk.
• Call a friend or a family member if you are too drunk to drive.
• If you’re the host of the party, start early enough so that your guests can have a drink or two well before the evening ends.

Despite these precautions, a drunk driver may still hit you. In that case, be sure to schedule an appointment with a car accident chiropractor in Dallas.

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Zinovy Chukhman is the auto accident doctor in Dallas who is trained and experienced in helping people recover from injuries sustained in car accidents. If you need relief, call the office today to schedule an appointment.